FTA completes environmental review of Buffalo light-rail extension

The Federal Transit Administration has released the final environmental impact statement and record of decision for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority's (NFTA) light-rail extension project in Buffalo, New York

The NFTA's proposed project calls for a 7-mile extension from the light-rail system's terminus at the University at Buffalo South Campus to Tonawanda and Amherst, New York, with connections to the the university's North Campus.

As part of the environmental review process for the extension, the FTA and NFTA evaluated a no-build alternative, a bus rapid transit line alternative and the light-rail extension. The light-rail option was selected as the preferred alternative, as it will offer the fastest travel time, highest ridership potential and greatest economic impact, NFTA officials said in a press release.

The light-rail extension is expected to reduce automobile traffic, improve the effectiveness of the city's existing transit system and support economic growth, they said.

With the environmental review process completed, the project can now advance through federal and local approval processes with construction, phasing and funding strategies, said NFTA officials.